Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced that India is targeting ₹80 lakh crore in maritime investments and the creation of 1.5 crore jobs by 2047 as part of a long-term strategy to transform the sector. Speaking at a press conference at the NESCO Exhibition Centre in Mumbai on October 14, ahead of India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, he said the maritime ecosystem is being aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat.
Sonowal said the country aims to build world-class infrastructure, boost the blue economy, and enhance global competitiveness, adding that the roadmap includes opportunities for international collaboration with a proposed $1 trillion maritime investment plan. “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modiji, we are working to build a resilient, sustainable, and future-ready maritime ecosystem. IMW 2025 will be a platform where ideas translate into projects and commitments into partnerships,” he said.
IMW 2025, scheduled from October 27 to 31, is expected to draw over one lakh delegates and 500 exhibitors from more than 100 countries, including ministerial delegations from Singapore, the UAE, South Korea, Japan, and Denmark. Global organisations such as the IMO and UNESCAP, leading Indian states, and major industry players like Adani Ports and Logistics, Cochin Shipyard, and Paradip Port Authority will also participate.
Highlighting sectoral progress, the minister said cargo movement on inland waterways has increased eightfold since 2014, while turnaround time at major ports has been reduced by 60%. Over ₹5.5 lakh crore worth of Sagarmala projects are reshaping coastal logistics, and India now supplies 12% of the world’s seafarers.
Sonowal further stated that all 12 major ports are expected to achieve carbon neutrality by 2047, with green energy transition goals for 2035 already underway, signalling a shift toward a sustainable and technology-driven maritime future.
